Arkansas Supreme Court OKs Medical Marijuana Ballot Measure

The Arkansas Supreme Court approved a proposed medical marijuana ballot measure on Thursday for the state’s Nov. 6 election. If the measure passes Arkansas will be the first southern state to allow medical marijuana use, the Associated Press reports.

Under the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Act (PDF), physicians there could prescribe the substance to individuals with conditions including cancer, HIV/AIDS and post-traumatic stress disorder. Patients would buy marijuana from dispensaries.

Opponents of the measure include the Coalition to Preserve Arkansas Values. They argued that ballot language doesn’t accurately describe the issue that medical marijuana users could face federal prosecution, or note that minors could use medical marijuana without parental consent.

“Here, after reviewing the ballot title of 384 words, we conclude that the title informs the voters in an intelligible, honest and impartial manner of the substantive matter of the act,” the ruling states.